17. Compensation recoverable in sixteen instalments.-

(1) The kanam tenant shall be liable to pay to the Government, the compensation due from him under section 16 in sixteen equal half yearly instalments with interest at four and a half per centum per annum, the first instalment commencing from such date as the Government may notify, provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to preclude a kanam tenant from paying at any time a large sum than the amount of an instalment or from paying the whole amount due in one instalment. (2) If any sum in excess of the amount of an installment is paid, it shall be credited in reduction of the total amount due, the number of future instalments being, if necessary, reduced, but no postponement of subsequent installments shall be permitted, nor shall the alteration in the amounts of subsequent installments allowed except in the final instalment, if such alteration is necessary to adjust the balance due.. (3) Where a kanam tenant pays the entire amount due in a lump sum on the date on which the first instalment is payable, he shall be allowed a rebate of five per centum of the amount so paid.